Everton boss Roberto Martinez was delighted with their 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.
Martinez hailed his beleaguered side for turning the "chore" of chasing victories into "an opportunity", with Romelu Lukaku firing his second goal in three games.
"I've seen the players mentally refreshed now, we had a little bit of a break and I thought today we looked really strong mentally," said Martinez, ahead of Everton hosting Liverpool next Saturday.
"It seemed an opportunity rather than a chore, to get the three points. Well the Merseyside derbies are always phenomenal events and they are games that almost look after themselves.
"Today was very important for us to face a team in the moment of form that Crystal Palace is, it was a real test.
"So it was one where we had to focus, and now we can really enjoy it and look forward to the Merseyside derby.
"I was pleased with Romelu's performance with the infectious way he was working in that forward line.
"I thought he looked powerful, I thought he looked really fresh and that was pleasing when you've got a striker like Romelu at that sort of level.
"He just sets high standards of attacking play.
"I think we've all had a tough time as a team because we had such a high expectation of ourselves and when you don't reach those expectations it's going to be difficult.
"But I don't think Romelu has any reason to feel down about it, he's been an incredible footballer, he's a responsible young man.
"Sometimes we forget he's only 21, he came back from the World Cup and sometimes it's tough to get your match fitness up to speed.
"And now he's fully fit, he's ready, he loves taking responsibility.
"And he's a striker as we all know who has the potential to be if not the best, one of the best in world football."
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